Cover Oregon officials said the health exchange is like a shopping cart: You will be able to pick from 5 to 10 insurance companies and coverage options - and see if you qualify for tax subsidies.

However, another Eugene insurance consultant said mandates come with a cost.

"Better benefits always seem like a good idea but any time better benefits are mandated, you better pull out your checkbook," said Gordon Groshong of WHA Insurance of Eugene.

Groshong said with higher costs, many small business owners will face tough decisions on whether to keep their group coverage intact, "or they're going to offer employee-only coverage or they're going to get rid of group health insurance altogether," Groshong said.

Another option is go online to the Cover Oregon website and go through the steps yourself, but Groshong said this do-it-yourself option won't be available until the middle of October.

Jones said there's no rush for people to sign up, as the enrollment period will last through next March.

He just hopes the promised subsidies are enough to help his clients.

"In some of my individual clients we're seeing 100 to 200 percent cost increases, and that causes some huge concerns for our individuals," he said.

Democratic Gov. John Kitzhaber and Republican state Rep. Dennis Richardson of Central Point squared off Friday, July 18, 2014 in Oregon first gubernatorial debate. The debate was sponsored by the Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association.

Democratic Gov. John Kitzhaber and Republican state Rep. Dennis Richardson of Central Point squared off Friday, July 18, 2014 in Oregon first gubernatorial debate. The debate was sponsored by the Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association.